Central Florida Edition March 2019 WWelcome to the March edition of Central Florida’s Hotspots. I can’t begin to tell you how proud we are to be the entertainment voice of Central Florida’s vibrant LGBTQ community. From Tampa to Orlando, St. Petersburg to Clearwater, Hotspots has you covered! I was in Tampa speaking with Carrie West about Tampa Pride this month and I was told to expect another great event hosted in the heart of YBOR City once again this year. Watch for the much anticipated parade and of course, multiple stages and lots of live entertainment. You’ll find a complete list of what to see and do during Tampa Pride in this month’s edition. Cirque Du Solei brings its new show, LUZIA to Orlando under the big top that takes an imaginary look at all that is Mexico though the artistry of this world class performance. Check out Scott Holland’s feature on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, season 4 winners. We are especially proud of Central Florida’s very own, Trinity who brought it home as only she can. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Hotspots just as much as we did getting it ready for you!
Sincerely,
Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark
Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Associate Publisher Scott Holland
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition March 2019
Fiddler on the Roof
At the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts March 5-10.
columns and features: • Cirque Brings New Show: Luzia
• Nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ Community • Tampa Pride 2019: In Ybor City
• Hot Bodies— Five Ways to Get Fit Without the Gym
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 4—Monet & Trinity
• Hot Advice—Trust Him to do the Right Thing
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
hot shots • Cristoph’s Tampa • Southern Nights Tampa • Around Town with Amy Demilo
what’s hot By Scott Holland
everything you need to know
to plan your month
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Welcome to the What’s Hot Column, where we feature countless events in the Greater Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas. This is also your connection to activities and events by local LGBT+ Organizations. Continue reading on to learn What’s Hot in March!
Saturday, March 2 Cristoph's Tampa presents a Toga Party (Men in Toga's..HOT) with hostess Lady Janet and the music of Billboard reporting DJ Greg Anderson!
Sunday, March 3 After incredible success and demand, esteemed performer and international pop icon P!NK announces that her Beautiful Trauma World Tour will extend into Tampa's at the Amalie Arena at
7:30pm. Since her debut in 2000, P!NK has released 7 studio albums, 1 greatest hits album, sold over 50 million albums equivalents, over 75
million singles, over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide and has had 15 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (four at #1). Her seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma is certified platinum, debuted at #1 on Billboard's 200 chart and marked a career high for first week sales. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to: amaliearena.com The Flamingo resort presents the annual Mr. and Miss Flamingo 2019
Pageant at 7pm hosted by Iman. The pageant will honor Jrnavive Mateo (Miss), and Onyx Valentino (Mr.) and Forever Miss Flamingo Femme Samaya Sinsation. Categories include: Presentation (pink), Evening Gown/Wear, Talent and Q&A. For more information or contestant packets email: jon@flamingofla.com
Tuesday, March 5 Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Fiddler on the Roof at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from today until March 10. Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition”, “Sunrise, Sunset”, “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L'Chaim!),” Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and
laughter. For more information, go to: Drphillipscenter.org.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back
in time with the legendary foursome delivering a notefor-note theatrical event that is "the next best thing to seeing the Beatles" (Associated Press). For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: Vanwezel.org
Friday, March 8 From his team members on The Voice to veteran country artists, Blake Shelton has a history of demonstrating his support for the people in whom he believes; when he realized that fans across the country needed to hear music from his friends and heroes, he decided to bring them all out on the road. “Friends & Heroes 2019” will hit Tampa's AMALIE Arena at 7pm. Very special guest Lauren Alaina joins Shelton for the run along with special appearances by country icons the Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson and Trace Adkins. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to: amaliearena.com Southern Nights Orlando presents from RuPaul's Drag
Race Season 6, Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly will also be performing on Saturday!
sensation Kidd Madonny.
The Orlando Improv presents Arsenio Hall today and
tomorrow, Sat March 9. It was the success of his Emmy Award-winning late night talk show “The Arsenio Hall Show” that made Arsenio a household name. The versatile actor, comedian and producer first became involved in the arts at “The Cleveland Playhouse” and continued to hone his craft through his Kent State Univ. Tickets start at $25 at Theimprovorlando.com.
Saturday, March 9 The Amway Center presents Lionel Richie in his All The Hits Tour at 8pm. He is one of the most successful solo
artists in pop and R&B history and one of the most popular singer/songwriters of the modern era. Richie will take fans on an unforgettable musical journey featuring his most influential and revered songs that defined the icon's unrivaled career. For more info or to purchase tickets go to: Amwaycenter.com The Parliament House presents “Garden Of Sin” featuring international DJ
They will also feature the Footlight Players at 10pm and 12am, and a free courtyard party. Neema's Amor at Stonewall Bar Orlando, presents RuPaul's Drag Races Naysha Lopez, along with Rochelle Mon Cheri and Angelica Sanchez. Doors open at 9pm with no cover before 10pm and $10 thereafter.
Wednesday, March 13 FL Falun Dafa Association Presents Shen Yun from today until March 17, at the Dr. Phillips Center. They invite you to experience a divinely inspired culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance. Audiences travel from legends of the past to stories of courage in China today; from snowy mountaintops to vast grasslands. Large animated backdrops extend the stage and transport the audience to another world. These grand images are dynamic, involving unique interaction with stage—a patented innovation that has inspired Hollywood and catches seasoned theatergoers by surprise. Tickets start at: $84.25 at Drphillipscenter.org. Thursday March 14 The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents The Lion King from today until March
31. Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney's The Lion King! For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: Vanwezel.org.
Friday, March 15 The Tampa Improv Presents Sheryl Underwood today and tomorrow, Sat, March 16. Sheryl is a savvy
businesswoman and multifaceted, multi-media entrepreneur, and she skillfully balances the roles of in-demand Entertainer, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Pack Rat Productions, movie and television actress, radio personality and philanthropist. Sheryl Underwood is one of the most articulate, well-informed women of our time and is a much sought after entertainer who has been described as one of the world's brightest contemporary humorists. Tickets are $27 at Standupmedia.com Southern Nights Orlando from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11, Plastique Tiara. If you can't make it tonight, you can catch Plastique performing tomorrow night, Sat March 16 at Southern Nights Tampa.
Timberly presents Bare Beef
St Patricks Day kick off at Stonewall Bar Orlando. The night will feature a 12 am wet underwear contest and adult video star Jack Vidra.
Saturday, March 16 The Parliament House invites everyone to celebrate St Patrick's Day by Getting “Lucky” with Blair St. Clair of RuPaul's Drag Race. They invite you to reach into the pot of gold and win: Televisions, tablets, free drinks, electronics, gift cards and door entries. General admission is $10, with VIP photo Op $20.
Sunday, March 17 Amalie Arena presents Travis Scott in his
Astroworld: Wish You Were Here Tour at 8pm. Once again, Travis Scott takes it up a notch - or ten. Known for his explosively wild performances, the historymaking Houston superstar will make this tour his best yet. Bringing the amusement park of his chart-dominating critically acclaimed blockbuster Astroworld to life on stage, the artist has envisioned a show unlike anything done before and unlikely to be topped. amaliearena.com (AMWAY CENTER MARCH 15)
Friday, March 22 The Tampa Improv presents Craig Robinson today, Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Beginning
as a stand-up comedian in Chicago, Robinson first made his mark in the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just for Laughs” Festival. Craig is best known for his portrayal of Daryl Philban in NBC's The Office but has also starred in such movies as Knocked Up, This Is The End, The Hot Tub Time Machine series, and Morris From America, the latter of which he won a Special Grand Jury prize for acting at Sundance in 2016. Craig also plays the role of Leroy in FOX's paranormal comedy series, Ghosted. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: standupmedia.com Saturday, March 23 Barcodes Orlando (4453 Edgewater Drive) will be celebrating their 10th
Anniversary tonight with a night filled with FUN! There will be raffle drawings throughout the night and the prizes include: $1000 in cash, a custom Miller Lite Bicycle, a Budweiser land cruiser bicycle, a smart TV, and lots more! As always free parking and never a cover. On behalf of myself and the entire Hotsptos Central staff we would like to wish Raymond, David, and the entire Barcodes Orlando staff a very happy birthday and wishing them many more years of success! Dr. Phillips Center Presents Tony Bennett live! Tony
Bennett's life and philosophy is the embodiment of the Great American Story. Having celebrated his 92nd birthday on August 3rd 2018, his career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries is unprecedented. He continues to be embraced and loved by audiences of all generations. Tickets start from: $55 at Drphillipscenter.org
Cristoph's Tampa presents a “Rewind Party” with hostess Stephanie Stuart and the sounds of DJ Mike Sklarz. Sunday, March 24
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Association with Live Nation presents Chicago. Billboard ranked Chicago ninth on the list of the hundred greatest artists of all time in terms of Billboard 200 album chart success in October 2015. Chicago is one of the longestrunning and most successful rock groups, and one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records. In 1971, Chicago was the first rock act to sell out Carnegie Hall for a week. Tickets start from: $55 at Drphillipscenter.org
Monday, March 25 Chris Sant Lorans productions presents the annual Miss Orlando Universo Latina
USA (reg and plus) 2019 at the Parliament House. The categories are Presentation (pink), Evening Gown, Swim Wear, Talent and Q&A. The winners will receive $1,000 cash, over $4,000 in prizes, 2 Photo Shoots, registration for the national, passage and stay for the national, dancers entry, Magazine Photo, Promotion Tour (show) all over Florida, New York and Puerto Rico and many more things.
Friday, March 29 Cristoph's Tampa presents “Pup Pride,” a pride night kickoff with hostess Alexis De La Mer and the sounds of DJ Mike Sklarz.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Tap Dogs through Sunday, March 31. Dein Perry's TAP DOGS returns to the stage with its trademark blend of live music and tap dance as you've never seen before. The New York Observer called it “positively electrifying.” Part Theater, part dance, part rock concert and part construction site, the show is crammed with high-energy dance, theatrical performance, and music performed by the cast and live musicians in this unstoppable spectacular. Whether in water, upsidedown or jumping through scaffolding, the Tap Dogs have been performing to the beat of their own drum for more than 20 years. Tickets star at $25 at StrazCenter.org.
Saturday March 30 Its Tampa Pride time which
means a festival in Ybor and of course the fabulous parade. It also means tons of events and performers. For a full listing see the feature in this month's edition or go to: TampaPride.org Southern Nights Tampa presents one of the original Queer Eye For the Straight Guy hosts and a current judge on Ru Paul's Drag Race, the
one and only Carson Kressley live! This is an 18 and over event! (If you can't make it on Sat, you can catch him on Friday, Mar 29 at Southern Nights Orlando).
Don't forget the last Saturday of every month Stonewall Orlando brings you “Leather Night.” Catch all the sexy men in leather and as always no cover!
Sunday, March 31 Dr. Phillips Center Presents The Price Is Right, which is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to "Come On Down" to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games from television's longest running and most popular game show from Plinko to Cliffhangers to The Big Wheel and even the fabulous Showcase. Tickets start at: $39.50 at Drphillipscenter.org
Email WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your event considered for “What’s Hot.”
By Scott Holland
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Cirque du Soleil is coming to Orlando this winter with its delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning Big Top production Luzia, a waking dream of Mexico. From March 7 – 31, local audiences are invited for the first time ever under the Cirque du Soleil Big Top at The Florida Mall to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuous world suspended between dreams and reality. In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, Luzia takes audiences on a surrealistic journey through a vibrant world filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, Luzia cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, Luzia enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
With mesmerizing and refreshing acrobatic performances, Luzia brings traditional and contemporary circus disciplines to a whole new level. Cyr Wheel artists perform the unprecedented feat of rolling and spinning under the rain, while an aerialist suspended from a Trapeze flies and twirls through pouring showers. Hoop Diving is taken onto gigantic treadmills, expanding exponentially the speed and amount of daring leaps executed. Jawdropping highlights include a male contortionist skillfully twisting his body in the world's most unimaginable positions, a powerful Aerial Straps specialist defying the laws of gravity at the center of a cenote (natural sinkhole), a juggler tossing seven pins at breakneck speed, and two football (soccer) freestylers deftly mixing street dance with mind-blowing ball manipulation. Since its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has been presenting traveling Big Top shows all around the world. The overall excitement of
going to the circus, the otherworldly atmosphere of the Big Top, as well as its intimate setting elevates the Cirque du Soleil experience. Luzia is the company's 17th show to be presentedunderaBigTop. It was a pleasure to sit down with, Krzysztof Holowenko, one of the gymnasts in Luzia for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
When did you start training as a gymnast? I started when I was about 13 years old.
What was your first professional gig?
What's the best part of traveling with Cirque? There are lots of great things about it. I love traveling to places I would never be able to see. In addition, it is great that we get to stay in each place for many weeks, so you get to know a place which you wouldn't as a tourist.
What's has been your favorite city on the tour? There has been a few. I loved Chicago last summer (thank god it wasn't winter), and Denver and seeing the Rocky Mountains were amazing.
What should the Central Florida Audiences expect from the production of Luzia? The show is amazing from bottom to the top. It's a feast for all the senses. It's beautiful visually, the music is great, and the acrobatics amazing. It really has it all that's why it caters to all audiences from kids to adults.
I was still competing and training while I got some offers from simple gigs, like corporate events or Stunt gigs, so it's hard for me to remember what the first one was.
Do you have any mentors in the Gymnastic world? I wouldn't name any of the big names that will be known to the public, but I did look up to my older colleagues in the gym. I realized what I wanted to become looking at them and seeing what they were doing. Of course I also look up to my coach, Daryusz Obrebski.
How did you get hired at Cirque and how does it feel working for the iconic Cirque Du Soleil? I was working in Macae China in a water show in one of the casinos there. The owner of the company I was working for, Dragone Entertainment, used to direct cirque shows. When I found out Cirque was doing a new creation, with a director I loved, I had to audition, and I was so happy I was selected, it's was and is a great feeling.
Tickets for LUZIA, which begin at only $54, are available online at cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
Central Florida Legislators Move to Include Nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ Community
Rep. Jennifer Webb (D)
Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)
Rep. Jackie Toledo (R)
“...we have to ensure that people won’t face discrimination based on who they are or who they love.”
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A coalition of more than 450 Florida businesses, stood with Sen. Darryl Rouson (DSt. Petersburg), Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) and Rep. Jennifer Webb (D-St. Petersburg) to urge legislative leaders to hear the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (SB 430 and HB 485). The legislation would update Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 to include statewide nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community. “Florida’s business community has reaffirmed its steadfast support for comprehensive nondiscrimnation protections for the LGBTQ community,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida's Public Policy Director. “The business community recognizes that if Florida is going to attract and retain top talent, we have to ensure that people won’t face discrimination based on who they are or who they love.” “This is the civil rights issue of our time,” said Sen. Rouson. “Senate Bill 430 will make it clear to those looking to relocate to Florida that they will be given the same basic rights as
By Equality Florida
everyone else. Workplace discrimination has no place in our state and the time has come for Florida legislators to embrace the Competitive Workforce Act.” “The Florida Competitive Workforce Act reflects best practices in hiring among Fortune 500 companies, 83 percent of which provide fully inclusive protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Rep. Toledo. “This legislation makes it clear that all Floridians deserve equal rights in employment, public housing and accommodations in order to thrive in a global marketplace.” “As a newly elected member to the Florida Legislature, I am thrilled to lead this initiative in the House,” said Rep. Webb. “With unprecedented support last year, particularly among freshmen members, I am confident that Florida will follow the 20 other states that already have similar comprehensive nondiscrimination laws in place. It’s the right thing to do.” For more info visit, equalityflorida.org.
By Scott Holland
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It's that time of year where everyone in Tampa is once again getting excited about Pride, which this year takes place on Saturday, March 30 in Ybor! From 10am to 5pm. At 9:45am will be the official opening ceremony for Pride with the Tampa Bay Pride Band performing, and then the festival expo (HCC Ybor Parking Lot – 8th Ave and 15th street) is open and includes: Artisan Fair, Food Truck Alley and a Health and Wellness fair, as well as over 100 vendors. At this time they will introduce Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the newly elected Tampa mayor, the Board of Directors of Pride and the Grand Marshals: Amy Demilo, James Encke, Nick Staszak & Tyler John, Ja'staria Infiniti, Tampa Bay Pride Band and Pat Frank. At 1pm they will present the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade on 7th Ave starting from Nuccio & 20th, and for anyone who has been to the Tampa Pride Parade before, you know its amazing.
I reached out to a few of the Grand Marshalls to ask them what Pride means to them, and here is what they said:
Amy Demilo Pride to me is walking out of my house, into the world with my head held high, accepting my differences as well as embracing others. Being Happy with myself and my choices in life, while respecting others for their choices and beliefs!
Tyler Reed and Nick Staszak Pride is being unafraid to express your love for your life partner in a public setting. Pride is surrounding yourself with a community of
whoever brings joy to your life, regardless of their sex, race, or sexual orientation. Pride is about loving humans as humans and understanding that we ALL are created equal. But most importantly, pride is unapologetically being your true authentic self and loving every second of it. And in the great words of Mama Rupaul herself, “If you cant love yourself, HOW IN THE THE HELL you gonna love somebody else? Can I get anamen?!�
Ja'staria Infiniti The idea of Love and Hope for an equal opportunity to express it, live it and truly be free in who you are and where you are in life. It gives a sense of freedom to dwell in the abundance of joy, laughter and peace of mind, so when I think of Pride I know that it's the only thing to hold onto in a world filled with doubt.
David Triplett-Rosa Artistic Director of Tampa Bay Pride Band Pride means to be empowered, unifying communities together and inspire! We here at Tampa Bay Pride Band are empowered by pride, united by community, inspired by music, and celebrate diversity through music.
For more information on Tampa Pride, go to: Tampa Pride.org.
By Scott Holland
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Casting has been announced for the North American tour of the Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from March 5 through 10. A beloved theatrical classic from Tonywinner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prizewinners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Tony-Award winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I) and choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter. Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L'Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” "Sunrise Sunset,” "Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.” The cast is led by Israeli film and TV star, Yehezkel Lazarov who will take on the lead role of Tevye, and also feature Maite Uzal as Golde, Jonathan von Mering as Lazar Wolf, Carol Beaugard as Yente, Mel Weyn as Tzeitel, Ruthy Froch as Hodel, Natalie Powers as Chava,
Danielle Allen as Sphintze, Emerson Glick as Bielke, Jesse Weil as Motel, Ryne Nardecchia as Perchick, Joshua Logan Alexander as Fyedka and Jeffrey Brooks as Constable. The ensemble includes Danny Arnold, Eric Berey, Nicholas Berke, Eloise DeLuca, Derek Ege, David Ferguson, Olivia Gjurich, Michael Hegarty, Allegra Herman, Carolyn Keller, Paul Morland, Kelly Gabrielle Murphy, Jacob Nahor, Jack O'Brien, Honza Pelichovsky, Leah Platt, Lynda Senisi, Nick Siccone, Brian Silver, and Britte Steele. It was a pleasure to sit down with Maite Uzal, who plays Golde, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen? I began really performing after I graduated college, but I have been performing for my family and at school since I was 4.
What was your first professional/paid role? A role in a feature Spanish film Little Galicia, which was shot in NYC.
How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of “Fiddler on the Roof”? I submitted my materials and I did 2 initial taped auditions. They then called me in for an in person audition, and they offered me the job.
Knowing that this is such an iconic show, is there additional pressure on you to play Goldie? Before starting the tour I realized how much pressure there was to honor such a brilliantly written score. Our director says good roles make good actors, so the pressure was on. Since we have been touring, I have realized how deeply entrenched this show is in American culture. That also adds pressure
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play? I'm having a hard time picking between 2…but I will force myself to say La Gran Semiramis, which is a play from the golden age of Spanish theater. In La Gran I went through more
Maite Uzal hardship, and was the first time I tackled such a big role, which was filled with many emotions.
What is your fantasy role? WOW, that's a hard question. I can narrow it down to 3: either Lady Macbeth, Bernarda in The House of Bernarda or either if the two older roles in Three Tall Women.
What should our readers expect from this production of Fiddler on the Roof? They should expect a production that is absolutely loyal to the original show they know and love, whilst making it fresh with newer choreography. It's a celebration of life, love and tradition. It's also a show about brave women who confront traditions that deny them what they want to do. It's a roller coaster of emotions, and you will leave the show toasting, dancing and singing to life. The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964 and featured choreography by Jerome Robbins, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. This acclaimed revival proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe.
Tickets for Fiddler on the Roof will be available at the Dr. Phillips Bill & Mary Darden Box Office, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, Drphillipscenter.org or by calling 844513-2014.
hot bodies
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By Tom Bonanti
Five Ways to Get Fit Without Going to the Gym
We're well into 2019, so what's you're excuse for not keeping those resolutions about getting fit in the New Year? If you don't have time for the gym or you don't have cash for a membership, listen up! There are some great exercises you can do to tone-up, lose weight, and build cardiovascular endurance and you can do them at home, at work or just about anywhere. Here are 5 of my favorites. 1. Walking, jogging and running are the easiest, most affordable ways to get moving and stay active. Whether you're casually walking the dog, engaging in highintensity wind sprints, or jogging on the beach with a buddy, just make sure to stay consistent and enjoy yourself. Try taking a couple of hand- held weights with you as
you walk; pause and do some calisthenics in the park, anything that keeps your walk or run challenging and interesting. Join a walker's or runner's group for added companionship. 2. Push-ups, pull-ups, and chin-ups are great exercises for pumping-up and building upper body strength. All you need is a bar in a doorway or on the patio of your home. If you're not quite strong enough for these yet, you can start with modified push-ups against the wall or a countertop and eventually work your way up to harder versions of these exercises. 3. Running up and down stairs for 15 20 minutes is a high-intensity workout that targets every muscle in your lower body. Running the stairs also builds endurance and burns loads of calories. While you may not be ready for such a workout, start lighter, more sensibly during the day, by taking the stairs
instead of using the elevator. Try parking farther away from your destination when you get to work or go shopping. Remember, the important thing is to increase your steps and keep that body moving. 4. Squats can be done anywhere, anytime since they only require your body weight. Squats help tone your quads, hamstrings and butt, and improve posture, circulation and even digestion. How do you perform them? Stand up straight with your feet shoulder- width apart and arms at your sides. Lower your body, back straight, into a seated position, with your feet resting on your heels. As you lower into the squat position, raise your arms out in front of you for balance. As you get stronger, you can hold a weight in your hands for added resistance.
5. Crunches are great for strengthening core and getting six-pack abdominals. Lie flat on the floor, place hands behind your neck to cradle your head, now bend your knees keeping your feet flat on the floor. Crunch your torso and trunk as you bring your elbows toward your knees. Repeat and repeat until you feel that delicious burn in your tummy and mid-section. Remember, the best way to stay in shape is to enjoy yourself and keep consistent with whatever style of workout that turns you on!
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility www.pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com with questions or to set up an appointment!
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By Scott Holland
In an unexpected twist, RuPaul crowned two winners in the jaw-dropping finale of “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars” for the first-ever winning tie. After an iconic season of fierce runway battles and lip-syncs, Monét X Change and Trinity The Tuck earned the title of “America's Next Drag Superstar,” $100,000 cash each and coveted spots in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame.” “When faced with the difficult decision of which queen deserved to win, the words of the great philosopher, Michelle Visage, popped into my head: It takes two to make a thing go right. It takes two to make it out of sight,” said executive producer and three-time Emmy Award-winning host RuPaul. “Not only are Monét X Change and Trinity The Tuck the best of the best, together they can spread their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent wider, faster and further than ever before. Long Live Drag Race!”
...this time I had the coins to have glamorous looks. It was very important for me to improve for Ru Paul.” —Monet
"Ah! The first chocolate ALL STAR,” said Monét X Change. “Soak this up, America!" “Wow! I am so excited and very grateful,” said Trinity The Tuck. “This cast was amazing, so I'm very happy that I got to experience this with them! I am so very thankful to RuPaul and the judges for pushing me to be better and seeing an All Star in me! I'm so thankful to World of Wonder and VH1 for giving me this platform and I'm so proud to have this honor! I couldn't have done this without the support of my partner Leo, my friends, family and fans! Thank you!” It was pleasure to sit down with both Trinity and Monet, just moments after they were crowned, for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
How has your life changed since you were on Drag Race? Trinity - I mean girl everything has changed. I was making $2 a show in a local bar and now I am traveling the world living my dreams. So many opportunities and dreams came true just for being on the show. Monet – Exponentially! I am doing things I would have never imagined doing: I shot a Pepsi commercial and I am traveling the world with my one woman show.
I want to go beyond just performing in bars. I want to venture out and explore other aspects of entertaining, such as acting and see where that takes me.” —Trinity What has been some of your favorite places to visit as a RuPaul Alumni? Trinity - I have been too close to 30 countries. I love South America, Australia, New Zealand, but my favorite city on earth is London. But everywhere I go there are cool people from all different ages and walks of life. Monet – I loved Australia. I was in UK for over a moth. The only problem there hate ice, you
only get 1 cube! I also think New Jersey was incredible…LOL!!
How exciting was it to get called back for All Stars? Did you consider not coming back, and if so what made you come back? Trinity - I got the call for all stars 3, but I wasn't mentally ready to come back as it was right
beautiful, polished, and those are qualities I see in an all star. I think she would be an amazing representative. Monet – I am so happy I won. I eat, breath, sleep, live and die for drag, and I have since I started 8 years ago. Being an All-star will help me push forward. If I couldn't win, I would have wanted Monique to win.
What's Ahead for you? Trinity - I want to go beyond just performing in bars. I want to venture out and explore other aspects of entertaining, such as acting and see where that takes me. Monet – Expect more commercials, and a Nickelodeon show I am a part of. I am also auditioning for movies and talk shows, and lots of other great things. I am so thankful to Ru paul, as none of this would have been possible without her!
after my season. When I got the call for all stars 4 I had a chance to get my mind right and get back into competition mode. It was the right time. Monet – I wanted to go back immediately. I know I had a lot to improve, especially my runway looks.
How did you prepare differently for all stars than you did the first time you were on the show? Trinity - Well girl I had more money. It makes all the difference, when you can look the part of an all-star. Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you clothes and make you look nice. Monet – I was very conscience of my runway looks. I knew they were important the first time, but this time I had the coins to have glamorous looks. It was very important for me to improve for Ru Paul.
Are you happy you won? If you couldn't win who would you have wanted to win? Trinity - Well duh, that's the whole point of me going. I have wanted this for so long. I am very proud of myself. Only 3 entertainers can say they have won 7 challenges on drag race. I would have probably have wanted Naomi to win….as she had such a strong brand. She is
For more information on “RuPaul's Drag Race” and up-to-date news, go to rupaulsdragrace.com.
hot advice By Andreus Quinones
Trust Him to do the Right Thing!
D
Dear Andreus, My partner just got a job at the cruise lines, which means he will be gone quite a bit. I must be honest, and say that it bothers me, not just the periods of time apart, but the opportunity to meet someone else. I don't want to say anything, because I don't want him to think that I am trying to get in the way of something he really wants to do. How do I express my concerns without seeming selfish? Sincerely, Justin K. Dear Justin K., Dating someone who works on a cruise line or is a flight attendant, can be challenging. Getting used to periods of time alone, and not allowing your imagination to run wild with all the possibilities of what might be happening in your absence is hard. You must exercise trust. Of course, it might be difficult to endure those periods of time without him, but you must trust him to do the right thing. I always believe in trusting until an individual gives you a reason not to. Also, if possible, you can go on a cruise every now and then, just to make things fun, and show your support for what he is doing. It might ease your mind as well.
Dear Andreus, I recently went on a trip to Orlando with some friends. My partner could not go, because he had obligations to work. While there, we went clubbing, and I got totally trashed. Some guys ended up coming back to the hotel with friends, and I decided to lay down, because I was so wasted. The next thing you know, I have a hot guy in my bed, and I didn't stop it from happening. We had sex, and now that I am back home with my boyfriend, I feel horrible. I am so scared to tell him, in fear that he might leave me. Do I have to? Sincerely, Living A Lie Dear Living A Lie, The name says it all. If you truly love your boyfriend, you are obligated out of that love and respect to tell him what happened. Keeping a secret like that often proves to be more fatal to the relationship, than the infidelity itself. Put yourself in his shoes, would you like for something like that to happen and not know, or find out something that hurtful from someone else later? Also, drinking is not an excuse. You were not so far gone that you could not have stopped it. You yourself said that you “didn't stop it from happening�, which means that you were a least mildly aware. Fess up, pray the he forgives you, and don't do it again!